A Johannesburg first: Rise and Shine Music Festival

On Saturday I was lucky to attend the first Rise and Shine, Joburg’s first eco-friendly acoustic music festival.

It felt a bit weird to be trekking to Sandton for a festival, but I was pleasantly surprised. The festival was held at Sandton Central Park, a green oasis in the heart of Sandton perfect for a chilled out acoustic festival. The lovely little grassy knoll, dotted with large shady trees, was just the right size to feel intimate while still giving the thousand-plus festival goers enough space to party or chill out in the shade. It also conveniently located a 10-minute walk from the Gautrain station, so no need to stress about transport.

With the ethos of a collective community outing, Rise and Shine was organised in association with Greenpop.org, who pledge to plant a tree for every 50 people that attended the festival! True to its greenie roots, the festival started with a hatha yoga session at 8. Not being much of a rise and shiner myself, I didn’t make the yoga session or the early bird bands – Phoenix Smith, Shotgun Tori, Chiba Fly and Yo Grapes.

I did manage to get there in time for the soulful set of Nakhane Toure, whose folky tunes were a great start to the morning. Next up was Some Grew Young, followed by old-time favourite Tidal Waves who got the crowd dancing. Naming James followed with a great set and then it was time for the much awaited Jeremy Loops to make his magic. The pic above is from the Jeremy Loops set! The festival ended at 6 promptly with Shadowclub, in which was probably my personal favourite set I’ve seen them play. Good tunes all around. Good times.

All in all it was a gorgeous Joburg day with amazing music, yummy cocktails, and beautiful people everywhere. I admit, there was definitely a hipster vibe, with all the cool kids in town looking pretty fly in their festival gear sipping on happy coconut cocktails. I couldn’t stop taking photos! I think they convey the vibe much better than words do.

What’s not to love about a festival that has inexpensive craft beer, people coming round with R10-a-glass wine, and a stand with bubbles and parasols! Lets just say, I may be tempted to rise early for that 8am yoga class at the next Rise and Shine!